Building LeBreton Flats: Announcing Canada’s Largest Residential Zero-Carbon Project

The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced today, in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), that Dream LeBreton has been selected as the successful proponent to develop the first phase of the Building LeBreton project in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dream LeBreton is a partnership between Dream Asset Management Corporation (Dream Unlimited Corp. - TSX:DRM) and Dream Impact Master LP (Dream Impact Trust - TSX:MPCT.UN), along with the Multifaith Housing Initiative, a non-profit housing provider. The design team is led by KPMB Architects and Perkins & Will, supported by Two Row Architect and Purpose Building, with PFS Studio as the landscape architect, EllisDon as the construction manager, and Innovation Seven as the Indigenous engagement consultant.

According to the Canada Green Building Council, this premier project will deliver Canada’s largest residential zero-carbon development. Dream LeBreton will build an integrated community at the LeBreton Flats Library Parcel, a 1.1-hectare site just west of downtown Ottawa, featuring:

• 601 new rental housing units, of which 31% will be accessible, and 41% will be affordable housing comprising the following:
  • 130 units owned by a local not-for-profit rented at 59% of median market rent in perpetuity; and
  • 117 units owned by Dream LeBreton rented at 79% of median market rent for 55 years.

• Affordable units will serve priority populations, as identified in Canada’s National Housing Strategy, including:
  • women and children
  • Algonquin and other Indigenous peoples
  • veterans
  • recent immigrants
  • adults with cognitive disabilities

• Strong social and workforce benefits, including:
  • 15% of the overall value of contracts going to vendors that are at least 50% owned or managed by people from equity-seeking groups, including 5% of contracts to Algonquin and Indigenous businesses
  • 50% of the overall value of contracts going to vendors that are at least 50% owned or managed in the National Capital Region
  • 20% of on-site employment hours going to people from equity-seeking groups, including 5% to Algonquin and Indigenous people

• Retail space, including food retailer, café and health services
• On-site programming and support to enable the well-being of both affordable and market-rate tenants, while fostering a thriving and resilient community, potentially including:
  • tutoring and tutoring-related scholarships
  • after-school programming, including healthy snacks, reading and games
  • adult skills classes and free fitness classes
  • bicycle maintenance shop, and community hub serving diverse needs

• Wastewater energy and solar power-generating systems
• 600 indoor parking spots for bikes and 200 underground parking spots for motor vehicles
• A large outdoor public space that is socially inclusive

This transit-oriented site will also prioritize active mobility with new pedestrian connections from the lower level of Pimisi Station toward the Ādisōke Library site.

NEXT STEPS

The NCC will continue to work with Dream LeBreton to advance the development’s design, as well as address objectives related to the Master Concept Plan in coordination with the City of Ottawa’s review of the project, including ensuring pedestrian priority and safety, and animating the site with active frontages and programming.

Pending final federal and municipal design and development approvals, Dream LeBreton is planning to obtain building permits by the end of 2023, with buildings ready for occupancy by early 2026.

KEY FACTS

• The Library Parcel is the first development phase to be implemented from the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan approved by the NCC’s Board of Directors in 2021.
• The site is located at 665 Albert Street, on the western edge of Ottawa’s downtown core, adjacent to the Pimisi O-Train station and close to pathways.
• The proceeds of this $30-million sale will be reinvested by the NCC in public benefits to support the realization of a Capital destination and vibrant community, as envisioned in the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan.

QUOTES

“I am pleased with Building LeBreton’s momentum thus far in bringing to life an inspiring vision for a spectacular community in the heart of Canada’s Capital. I commend all of the proponents for their participation in this vigorously competitive process and thank CMHC for their continued partnership. The selected team, Dream LeBreton, is now poised to build Canada’s most sustainably designed community at the Library Parcel.”

—Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, NCC

“Everyone living in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and we continue to take action to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. I am delighted to see such a vital project for our nation’s capital move forward.”

—Romy Bowers, President and CEO, CMHC

“Our proposal for the LeBreton Flats Library Parcel is founded on our extensive experience building communities across Canada that are positive for society. We look forward to continuing this tradition by providing desperately needed affordable housing, contributing to a healthier planet by building a zero-carbon community, and by creating inclusive neighbourhoods that provide a stronger sense of belonging for everyone. This project will increase our commitment to the Capital, while realizing the vision for our neighbouring development, Zibi. We welcome the partnership with NCC and CMHC, and will strive to continually innovate and create an even more desirable community as we develop this project.”

—Michael Cooper, Founder, Dream Group of Companies, Dream LeBreton

Link

LeBreton Flats Library Parcel Development

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